From what I understand, Prostate cancer can be slow moving. The age of your husband and the Stage of his ALZ would have a lot to do with how I would proceeded. Going under will effect his ALZ, may make it worse. I would not put him under any undo discomfort or have him in strange places. I would let nature takes its course.
JoAnn29 is correct. Do not treat the prostate cancer. You and your husband have been given a get out of jail card, so please use it wisely. Dementia is a devastating disease and can last up to 20 yrs. Dying early from another illness is a blessing to the person with dementia and their loved ones.
My husband has advanced dementia for many years and it is very sad to see him existing (not living) in a state of not knowing who or what is around him. His body is still on this planet but his mind and soul are long gone. He’s completely dependent on others to help him with activities of daily living. Who would want to be in that state?
My husband has Alzheimer's disease. Eight years ago his PSA score was so high it indicated a strong possibility of cancer and so he had a biopsy which indicated he did not have cancer. Four years later, again the same and again, negative.
You say, "and now prostate cancer" so I presume your husband has had a biopsy.
Currently my husband is 77. About 5 years ago I asked his neurologists about colonoscopies and I think what that doctor advised for that could apply to your situation (I'm paraphrasing) - Leave the man in peace. He wouldn't understand, (the treatment), why and what is happening to him. It would be heartbreaking and for what?
Ask your husband's neurologist for advise. It may be helpful to you.
Prostate cancer is sometimes pretty simple to treat and to cure, providing your husband isn't too far advanced with his AD that he can understand and accept the treatment program that will ensue. And depending upon what stage of disease the cancer is at currently. If he's at stage 4, there may be no treatments available. If chemo and/or radiation is required, you'd have to speak to his Oncologist about the prudence of such a thing and whether you both want to extend his life, with AD at play. There are a lot of factors to take into consideration here, his age, his stage of cancer, his stage of AD, his prognosis, etc.
You are best off conferring with your husband's doctor(s) for advice about how best to treat or not treat his prostate cancer. They have all the facts whereas we do not.
I will tell you that my father was about 82 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, at about stage 2. Radioactive seeds were implanted in his prostate, and he had a full recovery w/o the need for further treatment; no chemo or radiation was required. He also had no other underlying disease at play at the time, either.
Get the biopsy and other diagnostic tests done. Then, ask the urologist about options: careful watch of progress, surgery, radiation, chemo, hormone... Each type of treatment carries its own benefits and risks. If you loved one is advanced in age, it might be best to just keep a careful watch unless urinary function is impaired.
We are no longer interested in prolonging a dementia life, but 100% on board for eliminating pain. If an issue has a simple fix, then it will be considered, otherwise......no more tests or doctors if they can be avoided.
My dad had prostate cancer and had surgery at 65. It involved two enemas, surgery, and a week in the ICU for no reason I know, except that they didn't feed him anything in that time except through an IV.
He lost 25 pounds in the week he was in the hospital, and was in agony with a poorly-positioned catheter for three weeks after that. (Thank you for your stellar care, Kaiser Permanente. 🙄)
He had no chemo or radiation but became impotent as a result of the surgery -- something I learned after his death.
He survived it all and lived another 33 years, but it was a brutal experience for an otherwise healthy middle-aged man that I wouldn't recommend for an older gentleman with Alzheimers.
My husband has Alzheimer’s diagnosis and now he has high Prostrate numbers. Even after antibiotics. Next step is biopsy! I don’t want to put him through that. I need to read up on what has to take place in the procedure. I would let ke hear if anyone has gone prostate treatment with an Alzheimer’s love one ?
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My husband has advanced dementia for many years and it is very sad to see him existing (not living) in a state of not knowing who or what is around him. His body is still on this planet but his mind and soul are long gone. He’s completely dependent on others to help him with activities of daily living. Who would want to be in that state?
Good luck.
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You say, "and now prostate cancer" so I presume your husband has had a biopsy.
Currently my husband is 77. About 5 years ago I asked his neurologists about colonoscopies and I think what that doctor advised for that could apply to your situation (I'm paraphrasing) - Leave the man in peace. He wouldn't understand, (the treatment), why and what is happening to him. It would be heartbreaking and for what?
Ask your husband's neurologist for advise. It may be helpful to you.
I would just keep him comfortable and happy.
Are you saying that someone you love who has Alz has now developed prostate cancer and you want to know what to do? Treat it? Not treat it?
Give us some more information and you'll get more advice!
You are best off conferring with your husband's doctor(s) for advice about how best to treat or not treat his prostate cancer. They have all the facts whereas we do not.
I will tell you that my father was about 82 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, at about stage 2. Radioactive seeds were implanted in his prostate, and he had a full recovery w/o the need for further treatment; no chemo or radiation was required. He also had no other underlying disease at play at the time, either.
Wishing you the best of luck.
He lost 25 pounds in the week he was in the hospital, and was in agony with a poorly-positioned catheter for three weeks after that. (Thank you for your stellar care, Kaiser Permanente. 🙄)
He had no chemo or radiation but became impotent as a result of the surgery -- something I learned after his death.
He survived it all and lived another 33 years, but it was a brutal experience for an otherwise healthy middle-aged man that I wouldn't recommend for an older gentleman with Alzheimers.
Sorry you have a lot to deal with.
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